So I’ve sat here for about thirty minutes with this window open in front of me, meaning to write something meaningful – and failing miserably! John and I are chilling out this drizzly grey day, me with my cup of coffee and a good book beside me. So can I write something insightful and deeply penetrating as I begin my twenty-seventh year? I suppose I could. But I really want to read my new book(Temeraire, courtesy of Chris and Jo!) and so I’ll just say that I really have had the most amazing day thus far and I really do have the most awesome friends. Y’know. Had a sweet birthday brunch at Zara’s, accompanied by her and Ruth and Chris and Jo and Alec and Pip. Being together with them all for a few hours – truly truly wonderful. I am blessed beyond measure. And now John’s back from his interview in Glasgow(for Commonwealth Games next year!) and we’re in the lounge together enjoying that comfortable Saturday-afternoon-feeling…

And now that I’ve done my duty and written these few words, I’m off. Peace.